The Miami Dolphins should have been reveling in the sweet victory of landing De’Von Achane on an extension worth millions but then one little comment by someone within the team’s organization changed all the focus onto the running back’s physical well-being.
Just two days after Achane was said to have signed an extension worth about $64 million over four years, the pass-game coordinator for the Dolphins, Kevin Patullo, dropped a little tidbit at rookie minicamp. The timing made it even more surprising because Miami had not publicly mentioned any offseason injury involving its star playmaker.
Kevin Patullo’s Comment Sparks Surprise Concern Around De’Von Achane’s Health
Miami Dolphins, Jaylen Waddle
Nov 28, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates with running back De’Von Achane (28) following a two point conversion during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
During a media session at rookie minicamp, Patullo discussed how excited the Dolphins coaching staff is to use Achane in the offense this season, however, one specific line instantly became the headline.
“It’s gonna be really exciting to get him out there once he’s healthy and ready to roll.”
Oh Boy: Dolphins pass game coordinator Kevin Patullo accidentally reveals that star RB De'Von Achane might be injured.
"It's gonna be really exciting to get him out there once he's healthy and ready to roll."
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/uapGGP06Cf
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 15, 2026
That wording quickly raised eyebrows around the league. Up until Patullo’s comment, there had been no indication that Achane was dealing with any lingering injury issue heading into the 2026 season.
And the reaction made sense. NFL teams rarely hand out massive long-term contracts if there is concern about a player’s physical condition behind the scenes. Achane’s extension reportedly ranks near the top of the running back market in both average yearly salary and guaranteed money, making the Dolphins’ confidence in him pretty obvious.
Because of that, most league observers believe Patullo likely misspoke rather than accidentally exposing a serious injury situation. The more logical explanation is that the coach was referring to Achane not fully participating in voluntary offseason work following his new contract agreement.
That approach would hardly be unusual. Veteran players who finalize major extensions often ease through minicamp practices while the coaching staff manages workload and recovery, and more importantly, the Dolphins have not released any injury update suggesting Achane is dealing with a long-term problem.
However, what made this comment popular is the significance that Achane carries for the future of Miami. With their new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, the Dolphins will be adopting an offensive style that will be mainly run-based with emphasis on outside zone concepts and play-action plays. Bobby Slowik has experience under Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system, which features an explosive dual-threat running back.
That is exactly why Achane fits so perfectly. With the 24-year-old enjoying a fantastic year in which he racked up an impressive 1,838 yards from scrimmage along with 12 touchdowns, he received a nod to play in the Pro Bowl.
Achane has also proven to be more durable than anticipated in his first two years in the league, making 33 out of 34 possible appearances during that span, missing games due to nothing more serious than a calf strain, bruised ribs, and a sore knee.
So while Patullo’s wording definitely created some panic online, nothing currently points toward a serious setback for the Dolphins star running back. If anything, Miami simply appears focused on making sure their newly paid franchise weapon is fully ready before the regular season begins.